Getting your car booted is an unpleasant experience that can ruin your day. It’s frustrating to have your vehicle immobilized, and it can be even more stressful to figure out how to get the task done.

But don’t worry; there are ways to get the boot off your car legally and safely. I’ll take you through the steps to remove the part from your car with a parking boot removal tool.

How To Get A Boot Off Your Car?

Different types of tire boots will require different techniques to get them off.

Chain Type

You will likely find the chain type to be the simplest design. Although it prevents the booted wheel from being removed since it covers the hub, it is still free to move around.

Again, you might pick the lock to avoid harm. Thus, if the car’s valve stem is reachable, you might safely deflate the tire and take off the boot.

Step 1: Before attempting to remove the chain-type tire boot, inspect your car’s wheels and ensure there is no visible damage or puncture. Trying to move the vehicle with a damaged tire can result in further damage.

Step 2: Cut the padlock or chain using a bolt cutter or angle grinder. Be careful not to damage the wheel or the surrounding area.

Claw Type

Given that it doesn’t cover the hub, the claw-type tire boot is among the simplest to manage. You can easily disassemble the wheel from your car if it only has one and then attach the spare, enabling you to remove it in the privacy and comfort of your own house.

Step 1: Choose between causing damage to the boot and keeping it unharmed. If you ruin the entire boot, you could get in trouble for vandalism or property destruction.

Step 2: Try picking the lock if you wish to prevent this. To make things simpler, you can buy lock-picking equipment online. You might even locate how-to videos online. Alternatively, you can drill the lock’s core out if you aren’t concerned about boot violation.

Tire Clamp Type

The tire clamp type normally has 3 arms (1 movable and 2 static), a plate covering the wheel hub, and a lock.

Step 1: Jack one side of your car up. If you don’t do this, you risk damaging a tire and are probably not going to be able to remove the boot because of clearance issues. You won’t be able to disassemble the gadget since the wheel might be in the way.

Step 2: Deflate your tire and let the air out. Then, you can slip the boot off. You should turn the boot such that the adjustable arm is pointing downward. The boot should then be unfastened if you can pull it in your direction.

Step 3: Suppose the boot is still caught; deflate the tire further by pulling down on the single arm or pushing down on the other components. The boot ought to be released at that point.

Clamp Type

This type is distinct from the previous tire clamp type, which resembles the claw type in that an extra arm protrudes from the outer claw. You cannot take out the wheel, as the other arm’s spherical plate covers the hub.

Step 1: A pin that connects the plate and arm is only held in place by a few weak spot welds. You can break it using a chisel and hammer.

Step 2: After the pin’s weld has been damaged, you can drive the plug out by giving it a solid blow with the hammer. You can take out the pin, the wheel, and then the remaining part of the clamp.

Step 3: Try to pick the lock. Then, use a screwdriver to loosen the appliance. The majority of clamp locks include circle pin tumbler locks that can be opened using a multi-tool device and a regular plastic pen.

Step 4: Use the file of the multi-tool and file the sides down to make it narrower.

Step 5: Shape the filed end with the pliers to fit into the circular keyhole and grab the lock’s teeth. The lockbox on the clamp should then be able to be opened by turning the pen after that. Unwind the clamp using the screwdriver attachment.

Step 6: To remove the boot, use a grinder with a saw or cutting disc. Personally, I use a battery-powered band saw, as it shouldn’t take long to complete with a band saw, and there is less chance of injuring the tire or rim.

Is It Illegal To Remove A Boot From Your Car? What Happens?

Yes, if you remove a boot placed on your car by the cops without permission. It’s probably not a good idea to tamper with law enforcement boots since the police know who they have booted.

You might find yourself getting booted due to violated parking or suspiciously involving in an illegal activity. Though you can continue driving with that clamp, it could be inconvenient and embarrassing.

Let’s say you try to remove the boot. They will have recorded information about your car that will allow them to locate you. Even if you take off the boot without harming it, you risk receiving further fines or even sending yourself to jail.

Plus, they might decide to tow your car, which would incur more fees, and it’s harder to get your car back from the tow service since they have an unfavorable look at you due to the removed boot.

That’s not to mention the likelihood of hurting yourself when you take the clamp off. Simply paying the fine is the smart move.

That being said, in some circumstances, you can do this legally.

The landowner or private company: Although removing a private firm’s or landowner’s boot is not technically unlawful, doing so nonetheless counts as property destruction and might get you in trouble. The best course of action is to pay the fine.
Scammer: If you sense that something is off, it may be a fraud. You have every right to cut the scammer’s boot off, but it is advisable to call the police instead. They can not only assist you in getting it off but also help identify the con artist and prevent such crimes from occurring in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Tool Is Used To Remove A Boot?

A boot jack is an effective tool to take off your traditional boots easily and is less likely to harm your shoes. It’s a clever little gadget frequently constructed of plastic or wood with a U-shaped end into which your boot heel fits.

How Much Does A Boot Cost For A Car?

The cost of a boot for a car can vary depending on the type and brand, as well as the location and the company providing the vehicle booting service. In some cities, the cost can range from $50 to $200 or more. Some companies may also charge additional fees for the time the item is left on the car or for removing the boot.

The Bottom Line

So there you have a tutorial to get a boot off your car. Removing these kinds of tire boots from your car can be a tricky and potentially illegal process.

It’s important to follow the proper procedures and use the appropriate and effective tool to remove the boot safely and legally. If you find yourself in a situation where your car has been booted, stay calm and follow the steps outlined in this guide to get rid of it as quickly as possible.